VCU vs St. Mary's Prediction - Basketball Picks 3/17/23

The Saint Mary’s Gaels and VCU Rams face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown in the round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament at the Times Union Center. 

VCU Betting Preview

VCU comes into this game with a 27-7 record overall and they have gone 17-15-2 against the spread. In the last game against Dayton, the defense gave up only 56 points and that led to the 12-point victory. Adrian Baldwin Jr had a big game finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. VCU is averaging 71.4 points while their defense is giving up 62.3 points per game. In this game, if they want to find the success they are going to need the offense to be good. Adrian Baldwin Jr has been the top player for VCU averaging 12.7 points while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from behind the three point line. 

Saint Mary’s Betting Preview’

On the other side of this matchup is Saint Mary’s who sit with a 28-7 record overall but they are coming off a blowout defeat. The offense only managed 51 points against Gonzaga but even more disappointing was the defense that gave up 77 points. Saint Mary’s is averaging 71.4 points while their defense is giving up 60.1 points per game. This is a team known for the defense, and they are going to need the defense to step up. Logan Johnson has been the top offensive player averaging 14.7 points while shooting 46 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from behind the three point line.